Dear Abby: Woman's gifts of friendship are now being sold online

Dear Abby: I have a close friend who is obsessed with selling “finds” on eBay. I often give her little items that she has mentioned she liked — or outright asked for. I always thought she wanted to keep them for herself. Recently I saw some of the things I gave her for sale under her eBay account.

I am dismayed that she is taking advantage of my generosity to make a few bucks. No, she is not desperate. And no, I don’t feel comfortable saying something unless it’s clever and I won’t appear to be jealous or petty. — Traci in Pennsylvania

You don’t have to say anything clever. What you should do is tell your friend that you were hurt when you saw the items she had requested up for sale on her eBay account. Period. And in the future, be a little less generous about providing stock for her retail venture.

Dear Abby: Over the years, I have seen many letters from soon-to-be-brides asking if they should include their husband’s sister or other female friend in their bridal party, even if they don’t know them. There is a solution.

This summer, I was honored to be the best man at the wedding of a close friend. He had a female friend, “Liz,” whom he wanted in the wedding party. Liz didn’t know the bride, so instead of having her be a bridesmaid, Liz was a groomswoman. She stood in photos with the groomsmen, and even wore a matching outfit — a lovely gray dress with a red ribbon to match our gray suits and red ties. — Best Man in Redmond, Wash.

That is certainly an appropriate solution to something that shouldn’t be a problem in the first place. Women have also occasionally served in the capacity of “best man.” I’m glad you mentioned it.

Dear Abby: I’m just wondering what you and your readers think about this: If you see your doctor only once a year (or less if you are well), but you have been going to that doctor for five years or so, should that doctor remember you? — Louise in Arizona

It depends on the volume of patients the doctor has in his (or her) practice. However, before seeing you, the doctor should certainly familiarize himself (or herself) with your file so you are not being seen “cold.”

DEAR ABBY is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.